U.S. gives Mideast nations millions in free weapons
SPECIAL TO WORLD TRIBUNE.COM
Friday, September 29, 2000
WASHINGTON — The United States plans to give several Middle East
nations hundreds of millions of dollars in free weapons but is demanding
greater accountability from Washington's allies.
Last week, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved the
Security Assistance Act of 2000, which provides millions in foreign
military aid and training to developing nations. They include Greece,
Turkey, Egypt and Israel.
The Pentagon plans to deliver three surplus Knox-class naval frigates to
Greece. Turkey will be allowed to lease two Oliver Hazard Perry class guided
missile frigates. Ankara will have an option to buy the vessels.
The biggest recipients of U.S. aid are again Israel and Egypt. Israel
will receive more than $1.9 billion in 2001 and Egypt will receive $1.3
billion in each of the next two fiscal years.
Congress has also allocated more money for International Military
Education and Training. In 2001, the United States will fund its allies $55
million and the following year $65 million for military training.
The House bill is the first in 15 years that authorizes military aid.
Arms control experts called the bill a step forward because of its
provisions for greater transparency and accountability for U.S. arms
exports.
These include a requirement that any U.S. ally must have similiar
defense export laws to that of Washington before it is granted license
exemptions for unclassified arms transfers. Congress also directed the State
Department to include commercial weapons delivery data in the annual report
that details U.S. arms transfers to foreign countries.